Park Trails

Bear Creek Trail

Bear Creek Trail is located in the floodplain of the Missouri River and is a good example of fairly common second-growth bottomland forest. It connects to Bear Creek and Missouri River and there are drop-offs at points along the trail. Many kinds of wildlife, including migratory songbirds, are commonly seen. The trail is accessed by crossing the Weston Bluffs Trail and the Burlington Northern Railway tracks. Caution should always be exercised in accessing this trail. The trail surface is natural surface, with occasional stones and tree roots in the trail walkway. The area is subject to standing water in the roadway as well as occasional flood events from the Missouri River.

Campground Trail

Campground Trail is a loop trail frequently used by visitors to the campground. The trail passes through second-growth forest and old farm fields. There are a few short sections where the climb can be a little steep but generally the trail is a nice walk. The trail has a natural surface so visitors should be aware of the possibility of rocks or tree roots in the trail.

Harpst Trail

Harpst Trail is a relatively short loop trail but it can be a fairly strenuous hike in some portions. The trail offers a journey through a portion of the mature river hills woods that were once common along the Missouri River in northwest Missouri. Signs along the trail provide information on the park’s role as an Important Birding Area and list birds common to the park. The entire trail is a natural soil base and portions may be covered with leaves. Tree roots and exposed rocks are common in the trail bed.

Missouri River Trail

Missouri River Trail offers a short walk to an outstanding view of the Missouri River. This trail is located in the floodplain of the Missouri River and is a good example of fairly common second-growth bottomland forest. The trail is accessed by crossing the Weston Bluffs Trail and the Burlington Northern Railway tracks. It ends at the Missouri River and there are drop-offs at points along the trail. Many kinds of wildlife, including migratory songbirds, are commonly seen along the trail.

Caution should always be exercised in accessing this trail and the Missouri River. The trail surface is natural surface, with occasional stones and tree roots in the trail walkway. The area is subject to standing water as well as occasional flood events from the Missouri River.

North Ridge Trail

North Ridge Trail offers great views of the Missouri River valley, including remnants of an old farmstead. The trip out on the trail can be strenuous because of the steep grade and sections can be quite slippery when the trail is wet. A cell phone tour is available for this trail with stops at an 1830s barrel vault cellar, a 1900s corn picker and an 1880s Missouri River survey marker. The trail ends near private property; please be respectful of the private property. This trail has a natural soil surface with numerous exposed tree roots and rocks.

New Mobile Tour System

Through the OnCell Mobile Tour System, Missouri State Parks is piloting the use of hand-held mobile devices to provide audio tours. These mobile tours will offer visitors another avenue to learn about the cultural and natural aspects of each site through historical images, written text and audio commentary by park staff. The full tour can be accessed through the internet, the OnCell app, or by scanning the QR Code on each tour stop sign. If you do not own a smart phone, the tour can still be accessed by calling 573-754-7004 . Once the number is called, the audio portion of the tour will play.

Paved Bicycle Trail

Paved Bicycle Trail has an asphalt surface and is very popular with both hikers and bicyclists. If traveling in a counter clockwise direction, the trail goes through a section of mature river hills hardwood forest, complete with pawpaws, white oaks, sycamores and more. The second half of the trail gradually climbs back to the starting point and travels through a stand of maple trees that gives way to old farm fields. These have been reverting to cedar trees and a mix of prairie grasses, wildflowers and shrubs. This area offers a good lesson in plant succession. There are no natural obstacles except for a few steep grades in one section of the trail.

Weston Bluffs Trail

Weston Bluffs Trail follows the western border of the park and runs parallel to the Missouri River and Burlington Northern Railway. This trail is popular with hikers and bicyclists looking for a pleasant, non-strenuous outing. Along with occasional glimpses of the Missouri River, it is possible to see migrating birds and waterfowl.

The trail connects the state park with the city of Weston on the north and with the village of Beverly to the south. From the park’s picnic area, it is 1.25 miles to Weston and 2 miles to the trailhead near Beverly. With the trail’s direct connection to downtown Weston, this trail is often used by park visitors wishing to make a trek to shop or dine in town without taking a motor vehicle. The north half of the trail is paved with asphalt while the southern half is a fine gravel surface. Although generally flat, there are gentle grades and changes of elevation.

West Ridge Trail

West Ridge Trail offers some of the best panoramic views available of the Missouri River valley bordering Ft. Leavenworth, Kan. Also in view are the city of Leavenworth to the southwest and the Iatan Power Plant to the northwest. This trail offers excellent opportunities for observing native and migrating birds as well as a variety of native flowers and animals. Signs along the trail provide information on the park’s role as an Important Birding Area and lists birds common to the park.

The trail intersects with Harpst Trail and Paved Bicycle Trail and is normally accessed from the overlook parking area by using the Harpst Trail. When combined with hiking times on Harpst Trail and Paved Bicycle Trail, actual hiking time could be up to 2.5 hours. Sections of the trail are steep with numerous exposed tree roots and occasionally muddy conditions. The trail surface is all natural and will usually either be bare soil or a loose leaf cover.